天经地义

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: tiān jīng dì yì
• English Translation: Right and proper (unalterable principle of heaven and earth)
• Idiom Composition: 「天」（Heaven or the universe）＋「经」（A constant law or unchanging principle）＋「地」（The earth）＋「义」（Righteousness or a proper principle）
• Meaning: A principle that is as unchangeable as the laws of heaven and earth; something that is absolutely right, perfectly natural, or beyond dispute.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「天经地义」 contains the following nuances:

• Absolute Legitimacy: This idiom does not just mean something is 'normal'; it carries a strong conviction that the matter is morally and logically 'as it should be.'
• Universal Truth: It contains the nuance of being a universal truth or law that remains unshakable regardless of time or location.

3. Usage

「天经地义」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Moral and Social Obligations: Used to emphasize things that are 'naturally expected' by society, such as repaying debts or caring for parents.
  • Example:「欠债还钱，天经地义，你没有任何理由推脱。」
    （Repaying what you owe is only right and proper; you have no excuse to avoid it.）
• Natural Laws: Used to describe the laws of nature or clear cause-and-effect relationships.
  • Example:「种瓜得瓜，种豆得豆，这是天经地义的自然法则。」
    （You reap what you sow; this is an unalterable law of nature.）
• Common Sense and Truths: Used when stating a fact or common sense that everyone agrees upon and is beyond argument.
  • Example:「犯了错就要承担责任，这是天经地义的事。」
    （Taking responsibility when you make a mistake is perfectly natural.）

Additional Examples:

1. 父母抚养子女是天经地义的责任。
   （It is the absolute responsibility of parents to raise their children.）
2. 追求幸福是每个人的权利，这是天经地义的。
   （The pursuit of happiness is everyone's right; it is self-evident.）
3. 以前人们认为君权神授是天经地义，现在看来却很荒谬。
   （People used to believe the Divine Right of Kings was an unquestionable truth, but it seems absurd today.）
4. 既然签了合同，按合同办事就是天经地义。
   （Since the contract is signed, following its terms is a matter of course.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• The idiom originates from the Zuo Zhuan (左传), specifically the 25th year of Duke Zhao. The original text states: 'For 礼 (lǐ) is the constant law of Heaven, the righteousness of Earth, and the conduct of the people.'
• Originally, it was used to explain that 礼 (lǐ), or the social order and rites, was as absolute and fundamental as the laws of nature.
• In modern usage, it is often employed to state a 'moral high ground' or a logical conclusion that allows for no rebuttal. It is much heavier and more formal than the common phrase 理所当然 (lǐ suǒ dāng rán).

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 理所当然 (lǐ suǒ dāng rán): To go without saying; to be natural and expected. This is a more common, everyday expression.link
  • 金科玉律 (jīn kē yù lǜ): Golden rule and precious precept; refers to absolute laws or rules that cannot be changed.
  • 合情合理 (hé qíng hé lǐ): Conforming to both reason and common sense.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 岂有此理 (qǐ yǒu cǐ lǐ): How can such a principle exist? Used to express that something is preposterous or outrageous.link
  • 大谬不然 (dà miù bù rán): To be completely wrong and contrary to the facts.
  • 无理取闹 (wú lǐ qǔ nào): To make trouble without reason or to create a disturbance out of nothing.link

6. Summary

天经地义 (tiān jīng dì yì) describes something that is considered an absolute truth or a fundamental moral obligation. It suggests that a certain action or fact is so naturally correct that it requires no further justification. While similar to the English phrase 'it's only right and proper,' it carries much more weight, implying that the matter is as fundamental as the laws of the universe.